Laycocks Timber Merchants Ltd, on Warrington Road in Lower Ince, has been running for 12 years without a problem but since they started to renovate the business last month, they have been plagued by yobs smashing windows.

Brand new laminated windows and frames have been smashed on three separate occasions after large rocks were repeatedly hurled at them and managing director Steve High is now having to shell out £500 for shutters to protect the glass.

The attacks have got steadily worse and in the latest incident on Wednesday night Steve found no less than five large missles lying on the floor outside the broken window.

The 58-year-old said: "We are not a big firm. I'm coming in to smashed glass everywhere and trying to run the business at the same time as sorting out the mess.

"While the place looked like a bit of a dump we had no problem but when we work to make it look smart we get this."

Steve has told the local Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) about the incidents but has not filled out a crime report.

But he is now at the end of his tether and has personally sent a circular to houses near his business asking them if anyone has any information.

He hopes reports of his business' plight might put a stop to the attacks on the property.

Steve added: "I've got to get on with the business of selling timber and I don't want to create extra paperwork by officially reporting it because I know it probably won't make a difference.

"There's no point reporting it to the insurance, they won't pay out because it's below the excess.
"If it carries on I'll have to make an official report because it's getting ridiculous.

"This person could be going round smashing other things like bus stops and eventually he'll have to be stopped."

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.